'Cautious optimism' in retail, F&B, but SMEs' outlook at record low

Singapore

BUSINESS sentiment among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore have dipped to a record low, but those in the retail and food and beverage (F&B) sectors appear encouraged by the reopening of physical stores, according to an industry survey.

The SBF-Experian SME Index for October 2020 to March 2021 fell to 46.3, the lowest reading since the index began in 2009, exceeding the previous all-time low of 48.3 logged in April this year.